Help is needed for Williams Family April 16 fundraiser being held

Steve and Molly Williams are a couple who believes in giving to others and offering support especially to those who have children with life threatening illnesses, such as their nine-year-old son Max. Max was born September 27, 2003, with a heart defect, "Tetrology of Fallot," and has had countless surgeries over the years, always being very brave.

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By Lisa Van De Hey

Gridley Herald - Gridley, CA

By Lisa Van De Hey

Posted Apr. 10, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By Lisa Van De Hey

Posted Apr. 10, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Steve and Molly Williams are a couple who believes in giving to others and offering support especially to those who have children with life threatening illnesses, such as their nine-year-old son Max. Max was born September 27, 2003, with a heart defect, "Tetrology of Fallot," and has had countless surgeries over the years, always being very brave.
It is through their Miracle Ranch and Max's Foundation that families have had a haven to bring their children to enjoy themselves while riding on a train, hunting for pumpkins or Easter Eggs as an example.
The last event held at the Miracle Ranch, was a big Easter celebration before tragedy hit Thursday, April 4, 2013. The family had traveled to Six Flags since their school-age children were on spring break from Manzanita Elementary and received the devastating call that their home was engulfed in fire.
Though the home is a total loss, it is the positive facts that this family is focusing on. They are grateful that they were not home and that no one was injured first and foremost. They credit Cal-Fire firemen with not only saving their three dogs and giving comfort to them but they are appreciative of the caring firemen who carefully carried personal items out of the home, trying to give the family some kind of comfort. Besides rescuing Molly's beautiful snow globe collection and some toys for the children, they thoughtfully grabbed a wooden rocker that unbeknownst to them, Molly had rocked each of their children in when they were small.
The Red Cross arrived almost immediately to help the family with a place to stay for awhile.
Because this family has made such an impact not only on this community, but to people far and wide, offers of help immediately came in the same day. By Thursday evening two area bands offered to play for free when a fund raiser is held at the Miracle Ranch along with Nate Wilkinson offering to cater the food. Pizza Round Up has planned a fund raiser Tuesday, April 16 where a portion of the proceeds will go to the family and the entire proceeds of a silent auction will go to the Williams. The silent auction will go from 5 to 8 p.m.
Pizza Round Up is asking for silent auction items to be dropped off there in advance and they, along with The Gridley Herald are collecting clothing for the family. The children's ages are: Boys 2, 10, 12 and 14 and girls are 3, 5, 7 and 18.
A special bank account was started by friends at Butte Federal Credit Union in Biggs on Friday and donations of any size can be dropped off there. The Quota Thrift Shop offered a shopping spree for the entire family for clothing besides many families offering clothes by social media.
The Williams have been bringing their train to events such as the Quota Wine Tasting, Farmers Market and parades to offer rides to not only children but adults who maybe can't walk too far. They hold events year-round but it is the Santa Village and Pumpkin Farm that seem to draw the biggest crowds. It is a busy place when area schools come out for a field trip before Halloween. During these events at the ranch, the train runs on its own track with Max as the conductor, always with a big smile on his face.
Those that know these people and even those that don't are anxious to help in any way they can. The Williams' have met countless families over the years traveling to UCSF for Max's surgeries and many of these families stop to visit and give their children a fun place to go. Much help needs to be given to this family who has always been there for others. Instead of them always helping other families it is time they received the help and love they deserve.